Bears Sign Six For 2024
BERKELEY – The California baseball team announced the addition of six future Golden Bears for the 2025 season, who all signed National Letters of Intent. The six-man class is the seventh signing class for head coach Mike Neu and is expected to make an immediate impact.
All six players hail from California, with four coming from Southern California. The class features two catchers, an infielder, two right-handed pitchers, and one two-way player.
"Our coaching staff did an outstanding job with this recruiting class and we are excited about the balance, versatility, and competitiveness in this group of players," Cal head coach Mike Neu said. "This entire group will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact on the field and will represent our program well."
Class Breakdown
KALEN APPLEFIELD
» Position: Catcher/Outfield
» Bats/Throws: R/R
» Hometown/Previous Schools: Carlsbad, Calif. / La Costa Canyon HS
» Height/Weight: 6'1"/205
» Four-time letter winner for La Costa Canyon earned Second Team All-CIF honors and was named to the All-San Diego Team.
» Hit .333 last season with 11 extra-base hits, including four home runs.
Associate Head Coach Noah Jackson: "Kalen Applefield is a dynamic switch-hitting catcher who has a chance to make an impact right away. Applefield's power bat stands out as he has the ability to drive the ball to every part of the park. He is a catcher who has enough athleticism to play multiple positions."
ELIJAH CLAYTON
» Position: Infielder
» Bats/Throws: R/R
» Hometown/Previous Schools: Westlake Village, Calif. / Oaks Christian HS
» Height/Weight: 5'10"/170
» Son of longtime major league shortstop Royce Clayton.
» As a sophomore, he was named the Southern Section Division 3 Player of the Year after hitting .363 with 19 runs and 15 RBI.
Jackson: "Elijah Clayton is one of the premier infielders on the West Coast. Clayton will push for early playing time. His defensive prowess will be seen right away, and he has the chance to impact the game offensively with his speed and bat control."
JAKE LAVIN
» Position: Catcher/Outfielder
» Bats/Throws: L/R
» Hometown/Previous Schools: Laguna Beach, Calif. / Santa Margarita Catholic HS
» Height/Weight: 6'0"/180
» Led team to a Southern California Division I Championship
» Named one of the top catchers in the state by PerfectGame.org. Named a 2022 and 2023 Preseason Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mention.
Jackson: "Jake has grown his game immensely in the last couple of years. He is a left-handed hitter who has shown the ability to use the whole field and hit for power. He also has the ability to play multiple positions on defense."
JORDAN LOPEZ
» Position: Outfielder/Pitcher
» Bats/Throws: L/L
» Hometown/Previous Schools: Elk Grove, Calif. / Franklin HS
» Height/Weight: 5'10"/155
» Two-time All-Delta League honoree and two-time All-Metro honoree.
» Hit .349 with 32 runs scored and 16 stolen bases as a junior.. On the mound, went 3-3 with a 2.19 ERA and struck out 53 batters in 32 innings pitched.
Jackson: "Jordy is a two-way player who is expected to contribute in the outfield and on the mound when he gets to campus. He brings speed and athleticism to the Bears outfield; he brings excitement and energy to the field with his style of play."
MAX MURRAY
» Position: RHP
» Bats/Throws: R/R
» Hometown/Previous Schools: San Diego, Calif. / Coronado HS
» Height/Weight: 6'0"/187
» Named to the 2023 California Region Underclass Second Team and the 2022 California Honorable Mention Team by PerfectGame.org.
» Three-year starter for Coronado; he has made over 29 career appearances.
Assistant Coach Chris Bodishbaugh: "Max Murray is a winner out of Coronado High School who has pitched in big games and won. He is obsessed with getting better every day. Experience, elite feel, and a drive to improve every day will allow him to contribute to our staff right away."
MILES TENSCHER
» Position: RHP
» Bats/Throws: R/R
» Hometown/Previous Schools: Yountville, Calif. / Vintage HS
» Height/Weight: 6'1" / 195
» Named the VVAL Co-Pitcher of the Year while earning First Team All-VVAL honors; was a Cal-Hi All-State nominee as a junior.
» As a junior, made six starts for the Crushers and boasted a 0.96 ERA and a 3-1 record. He struck out 77 in 51 innings pitched.
Bodishbaugh: "Miles Tenscher is an exemplary student-athlete that we feel will be a major asset to our baseball program. He is a submarine pitcher who throws with advanced velocity and command which is uncommon from this unique delivery. His skill set will be an addition to our roster that we currently don't have, and we feel will be a big part of our continued development and success on the mound."